Howard University: Charter Day Weekend

Reflect on the institution's rich history. Support the future of Howard students through scholarships.

Charter Day Convocation 2027

Celebrate the 160th Convocation honoring the founding of Howard University, the signing of its Charter, and achievements of alumni for distinguished postgraduate service.

Charter Day Dinner 2027

Ensure the success of Howard students by supporting scholarships that ease financial burdens and enhance academic opportunities.

Student looking at previous students on wall

Thank You for Your Support!

Hundreds of students will graduate this year because their financial burdens were reduced or eliminated thanks to your generous support of the 2026 Charter Day Dinner.

Phylicia Rashad on Howard’s Founding

“It became a beacon of academic excellence for free Black men and women as well as formerly enslaved persons across this country.” Rashad was presented with the President’s Medal of Achievement during the dinner.

Chanté Moore Entertains Guests

R&B singer and songwriter Chanté Moore used her smooth five-octave voice to move the audience with a couple of musical selections, including her signature song, “Chanté’s Got a Man.”

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Charter Day 2026 Theme: Sending Forth Our Rays of Light

Sending Forth our Rays of Light, was taken from Howard’s Alma Mater and represents our students, faculty, scholarship and service. Make a gift today.

Charter Day 2026 Distinguished Honorees

The honorees are Dr. Jelani Cobb (B.A. ’94) in the field of Journalism, Mr. Herbert B. Dixon, Jr. (BSEE ’70) in the field of Law, Ms. Kamilah Forbes (BFA ’98) in the field of Fine Arts and Dr. James K. Fortson (B.S. ’72) in the field of Medicine. The LaRue V. Barkwell Capstone Distinguished Service Award was presented to Mrs. Regina Drake, content manager in the Office of the Provost.

Words cannot describe how grateful my family and I are for this financial assistance; by investing in me you are investing in a Black woman who aims to change this world. Thank you.

YOUR GIFT AT WORK

Alumna Mariah Cooley (’23, B.A., magna cum laude) tells why sponsorship is crucial to unlock the potential in students and establish them as change makers in the world.

Invest in brilliance. Partner with excellence.

We are inviting you to a unique partnership opportunity that aligns your brand with this legacy of excellence and provides a direct return on investment.

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$1M+

At the 2026 Charter Day Dinner, we raised over a million dollars toward student financial aid.

Marking A Path Forward

Because of your donations, we can clear the balances of seniors expected to graduate in May 2026. Thanks to your support, we ensure that students stay focused on studies, unburdened by financial challenges. And we help the next generation of Howard students fulfill their dreams of completing their college education. We owe all of this to you and your commitment to Howard!